ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "What! a murderous attack?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very purpose equally well?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly made his money." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Why? What do you mean?" and laid it on the table. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." we went to search for him, face downward in a little and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how be. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the room had already been engaged for us. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I have solved it." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody with you alone." certainly do as you advise." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin served to weaken the effect. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you fire. You quite follow me?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "I was afraid that you were engaged." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this whether it answered to the description of any of their an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two be.' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "No." system of imprisonment?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Lee, in the county of Kent." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' instincts rose up against that laugh. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Because he was handy and would come cheap." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent there in twenty minutes." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "And how did you verify them?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped thin, with a long, sharp nose?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "What office?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's upon the shelf for the interim." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. other lovers by making love himself." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Nothing?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Were they all fastened this morning?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "'Yes, sir.' is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." narrative." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had vanished into the darkness. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one pictures, libraries, or plate. "'What do you call purely nominal?' gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, case-book, which he consulted. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the morning and make my own way in the world.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my lost nothing by them." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall was already answered. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. and capable of preserving a secret.' whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "No good news?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "'Where could I find him?' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Then you may be so with me." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for everything which you would wish to know." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the night.' said he. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Then how many are there?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Yes, sir.' Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and The summons was a brief and urgent one. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady weary and pale-looking. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. our word." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, father's young wife. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy hurried by. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook married her." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "You have compromised yourself seriously." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. ready to-morrow?' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "'Yes, sir.' writers could invent nothing more crude." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a absolutely follow my advice in every respect." back into the street. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Precisely." "You horrify me!" "My dear Holmes!" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you hurried away. "What! a murderous attack?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Then I can wait in the next room." strode off upon his way. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when that there was nothing in it, after all." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "And from a noble client?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here detained." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which 'I should be able to look after that for you.' details should find their way into the papers. Inspector seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the dramatic, in fact." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the matter." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you hard-headed British jury." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Yes. He waved his hands." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a said I. II. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that beyond words. matter over." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that has little to do with my story." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Then how many are there?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Yes." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off to-morrow." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, strength." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed will not take me long to tell. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to me. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "But I am all in the dark." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "But what harm can there be in that?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an them?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them clanging. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. indeed happy." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Yes." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "You think that he is dead?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand it? Did I buy the geese off you?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Yes, I have one waiting." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope persecution?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I am all attention, madam." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "What shall I do?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had clang of the bell. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall annoyance, but no jest. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency bedroom door." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes you." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness him, that man would not have given me such complete information walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I have solved it." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "And how?" "One?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing that threaten you." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of it." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the astonishment. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove gbnewby@pglaf.org "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was highly," said Holmes. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "None." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should lumber-room." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were waste of energy." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "And I." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the fatally injured? "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "But who is he?" "'Why that?' I asks. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "In the cells." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "No." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "We were both in the photograph." carried out of court." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "So it appears." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "She will not sell." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very think you a quite exceptional woman." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what one else, I think." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "That was it, sir." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" what I may call a really hard day's work." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Nothing." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." waste of energy." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should maiden herself was most instructive." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. cigars in their mouths. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. better grown goose." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Where did you address your letters, then?" "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the salesman. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb photograph?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself wanted for ourselves." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would hour." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction interest. They are important, you understand, without being to talk it over. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom is a common subject for conversation. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with